We’ve found the key to being patriotic inside and out: eating the combo of red, white and blue, as well as wearing it. You don’t need to break out food dye to make Sunny Anderson’s red, white and blue mashed potatoes (pictured above) with bacon, Gorgonzola cheese and garlic, or an equally colorful side dish like blueberry and pomegranate salad.

Check out four more of our favorite red, white and blue side dishes below, perfect for a Memorial Day picnic.

Even though there is still almost a month until summer hits, we’ll get a taste of it on Memorial Day — a day off that’s filled with fun in the sun. Whether you’re gathering friends in your backyard, at the beach or at a campsite, make this holiday special with a memorable, flavor-packed party.

Instead of just throwing hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill and buying some macaroni salad, pump things up with barbecue ribs, charred vegetables and savory sides that everyone will be talking about all summer. To achieve this level of greatness, we turned to our favorite stars who know a thing or two about throwing a celebrity-worthy bash. Check out some tips and tricks from Tiffani Thiessen, Tia Mowry, Haylie Duff and more below, and get ready to fire up that grill.

It’s more than just alliteration;it’s a statement, a proclamation that Thursdays are when the weekend should really start. Kicking it off right is the key, and what better way than with a cocktail that not only takes the edge off, but tastes good too. A hard thing to disagree with, we know. Drink up, get down and go to sleep happy.

Some drinks are just meant to be slowly sipped on a warm summer day, and since Memorial Day is unofficially the calendar kick-off for summer, start your extra-long weekend with this classic, cooling Mint Julep. With smooth bourbon finding its herbaceous counterpoint in the soft sweetness of fresh mint, it makes for a refreshing addition to summer’s first backyard cookout.

Mint-infused simple syrup is combined with Southern whiskey, and the mixture is frozen until it has a slushy consistency. When ready to serve, rim each glass with sugar for a frosted appearance and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. Sip a chilled glass of this summertime tipple at this weekend’s Memorial Day ‘cue.

It’s about time to kick off the unofficial start of summer with a Memorial Day cookout! And what better way to celebrate than with a nutritional smack down? Here’s a look at your favorite cookout foods with an answer to the burning question: which is healthier?

Burger vs. Hot Dog
Meat brings up lots of questions, such as where it’s from, how it was raised or how it was processed. For the sake of this smack down, let’s assume that you’re choosing between the best possible options: a lean, local, grass-fed beef burger or a nitrate-free 100% beef hot dog. Lean burgers offer good amounts of B vitamins, zinc and protein (20 g). Keep in mind portion size: a burger should be made from 1/4 pound of ground beef. That’ll keep calories in check (178). Hot dogs are slightly lower in calories, compared to a quarter-pound burger, but not by much (169 calories in a typical dog). They also have way more sodium, while offering fewer vitamins and minerals. So unless they are your main reason for being in the summertime, stick to the beef burger. Better yet? Go for grilled salmon or a veggie burger.

Memorial Day and grilling burgers seem to be synonymous, so get ready to tune into some juicy, well-seasoned programming on Cooking Channel as we kick off Burger Week. We’re turning to the coals for over-the-top, fire-kissed burgers that you won’t find at a drive-through window.

Start on Sunday, May 26 with the Deen Burger complete with applewood-smoked bacon, sharp Cheddar, avocado and Jamie’s special sauce. Then catch an episode of Unique Eats and go beyond the traditional with the Smokey Burger (pictured above) topped with Smoked Beef Brisket, BBQ sauce and gouda.

It’s more than just alliteration;it’s a statement, a proclamation that Thursdays are when the weekend should really start. Kicking it off right is the key, and what better way than with a cocktail that not only takes the edge off, but tastes good too. A hard thing to disagree with, we know. Drink up, get down and go to sleep happy.

The key to Memorial Day weekend is simplicity and relaxation with some good food and drink. Any backyard Memorial Day bash should feature sizzling hamburgers off the grill and refreshing pitchers of cold, sweet cocktails. We’re choosing to celebrate with our favorite libation hailing from Cuba, the cooling and minty mojito.

Start by gently muddling the mint to release oils for an herbaceous accent to this spectacular mojito. Then this cocktail is played up with freshly-squeezed lime and lemon juices, light rum, bubbly club soda and lots of ice. There’s no better refreshing, simple and delicious summertime cocktail to whip up for a crowd.

Butter transforms Momofuku Milk Bar’s infamous crack pie into cute mini pies. If you haven’t heard of crack pie, look it up and try some asap!

Need a crowd-pleasing side dish for Memorial Day festivities this weekend? Cook Like A Champion’sFrench potato salad ditches the mayo and lightens up the cookout classic with a tasty fresh herb vinaigrette.

More Milk Bar: We’re daydreaming about Scarletta Bakes’ batch of cornflake cookies. The crunch from the cereal and the gooeyness of the marshmallow makes for an irresistible treat.

Whisked‘s recipe for lemon poppy seed shortbread is a bright and bold version of the buttery cookie. It’s a perfect snack for tea-time snack, or anytime of the day we’re going to be honest.